ALLENDALE, Mich. – Senior high jumper
Marcus Gelpi is slated to compete at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Senior Championships this Sunday, August 17 in the Bahamas. Gelpi will represent Team Puerto Rico in high jump at 5:10 p.m. EST.
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The Dixon, California native qualified for the NACAC Athletics Championships after being named National Champion in men's high jump at this year's Campeonato Nacional Senior FAPUR in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. The Laker led five men in competition, clearing 2.15m (7-0.5) on his first attempt at the height.
"It's my biggest meet of the year and I feel more prepared than ever to put up a good competitive mark against the field," said Gelpi. "I love this type of competition and the opportunity to showcase everything I've been working on to the world!"
Gelpi returns to the NACAC Senior Championships for the first time since 2022, where he finished seventh with a mark of 2.16m (7-07.5). Ahead of his 2022 appearance, he was named Puerto Rican National Runner-Up in men's high jump, clearing 2.05m (6-8.75).
"Finally becoming the Puerto Rican National Champion boosted my confidence like no other," said Gelpi. "It's a dead giveaway that GV is the best place in the world for high jump! Even though we're probably the most competitive group of individuals you could find, we all want to see each other win on and off the track."
The JUCO (Diablo Valley CC) transfer from Kansas State has made an impact on the program during his short time at Grand Valley State – and he's not done yet. Gelpi currently ranks number four in program history with a personal-best indoor high jump of 2.21m (7-3), a mark that he cleared early in the indoor season. He continued to succeed in Laker uniform, placing sixth at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships with a height of 2.14m (7-0.25). Gelpi will close out his collegiate-athletic career in GVSU attire, as he will see competition during the 2026 indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
"I have the full support of my teammates and coaches, and now following a national title, I feel more prepared than ever to do big things this weekend!"
